Open source will see widespread adoption over the next five years

The NCC surveyed over 140 companies on behalf of IT services provider Atos Origin and found that more than two-thirds of the senior IT professionals questioned expect their companies to develop an open source strategy in the next five years.

The study, which was carried out in May and June, found that over 60% of companies believe open source will either increase its presence in some business areas, or will be a fundamental component in their core IT systems.

Seventy three per cent said they expect open source to develop within their organisation's IT strategy over the next five years.

More than 50% have adopted or are planning to adopt open source, more than 55% either accept or include open source in tenders and 30% believe advice on technical strategy would most assist them in the adoption of open source.